Panthers Safety Tre Boston Drawing Trade Interest

After already giving up on their second-round pick of the 2014 draft, the Carolina Panthers could be tempted to do the same with their fourth.

According to multiple sources, at least one team has recently called looking to acquire safety Tre Boston. To be clear, the Panthers aren’t shopping Boston. But it’s reasonable to assume they’re willing to listen to possible offers.

Heading into free agency, the Panthers made landing a veteran safety a priority. Not only are they unconvinced Boston can be consistent enough to hold onto a starting job, but they also want to slide Kurt Coleman back to free safety, where he snagged seven interceptions in 2015.

When top free agent target Barry Church chose Jacksonville last week, Carolina signed Mike Adams. He turns 36 later this month, but the Panthers won’t have to worry if the 13-year veteran will be where he should in their zone defense. That’s been a constant concern about Boston, 24, who’s twice won and lost a starting spot.

If the Panthers end up pulling the trigger on a trade, it will put a big dent in their safety depth. But there are a number of intriguing prospects at the position in the upcoming draft, including LSU’s Jamal Adams and Ohio State’s Malik Hooker, who could each be in play if they’re still on the board when Carolina picks at No. 8.

When general manager Dave Gettleman traded defensive end Kony Ealy to the Patriots on Friday, the Panthers picked up just eight drafts slots. Boston may not net much, either, but if a team’s willing to give up something, Gettleman may decide it’s worth cutting bait with another member of his 2014 draft class.

The Panthers currently have eight picks in next month’s draft, including three in the first two rounds and five in the first 115 selections.